Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How much coverage do I need for my home?
- A: Enough to cover the cost of rebuilding, which may be higher than the market value.
- Q: What is the difference between Replacement Cost and Actual Cash Value (ACV)?
- A: Replacement cost pays to replace items with new ones; ACV pays the depreciated value.
- Q: How much personal property coverage do I need?
- A: Policies usually set a total limit (e.g., 50-70% of your dwelling coverage) and specific sub-limits for high-value items like jewelry, firearms, or cash.
- Q: What does personal property coverage cover?
- A: Personal property insurance (often "Coverage C") protects your personal belongings—such as furniture, clothing, electronics, and appliances—from theft, fire, vandalism, and other perils, both inside your home and anywhere in the world.
- Q: Does my homeowners policy cover flood damage?
- A: Standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage caused by natural disasters, rising water, storm surges, or sewer backups. It generally only covers water damage that is sudden and accidental, such as a burst pipe or a leaking roof. A separate flood insurance policy must be purchased.
- Q: What does Property Damage cover on my auto policy?
- A: Property damage (PD) liability on your car insurance covers the cost of repairs or replacement for another person’s property if you are at fault in an accident. It pays for damages to other vehicles, structures like fences or buildings, and personal belongings. It does not cover damage to your own car.
- Q: What does Medical Payments cover on my auto policy?
- A: Medical payments coverage (MedPay) on an auto policy covers necessary medical expenses for you, your passengers, and family members injured in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. It pays for doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, X-rays, ambulance fees, and health insurance deductibles/co-pays.
- Q: Why do I need Worker's Compensation insurance?
- A: Workers' compensation insurance is mandatory in almost all states for businesses with employees to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs for work-related injuries or illnesses. It protects employers from lawsuits, acts as a "no-fault" system, and ensures financial protection for both the business and employees.
- Q: What is the difference between a Business Owner's Policy and a Commercial Package Policy?
- A: A Business Owners Policy (BOP) bundles property and liability insurance for small, low-risk businesses, offering convenience and cost savings. A Commercial Package Policy (CPP) offers greater customization and higher limits for larger, more complex, or high-risk businesses. BOPs are pre-packaged, while CPPs allow tailoring specific coverages.